Holidays to Burlington
Nestled on Lake Champlain across from New York State’s Adirondack Mountains, Vermont’s biggest city strikes the perfect balance between nature and culture. On your holiday in Burlington, cycle through hardwood forests and stroll along red-brick streets where century-old markets and farm-to-table restaurants show off the local bounty. Craft beer is king here and so is ice cream. After all, Burlington is the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s.
Burlington holiday highlights
Burlington
Autumn leaves
Time your Burlington flights and hotel stays for autumn to see the state’s coppery colours. Rent a bike and cycle through golden-brown forests on the Burlington Greenway, a lakeside trail that cuts through the city from north to south. Or head for the hills. Among the most beautiful walks is Mount Hunger in Green Mountain National Forest. Summit to enjoy 360-degree views of the fiery foliage.
Local produce
The farm-to-table movement is part of Burlington’s DNA. Stroll through the Saturday farmers market to stock up on local goodies, including handmade cheeses and maple syrup. Or visit nearby Shelburne Farms, an 18th-century working farm and National Historic Landmark. Join an open-air wagon tour of the rolling fields and be sure to try some of the farm’s award-winning cheddar.
Where to stay
For a neighbourhood with charming old red-brick buildings and pedestrianised streets, base yourself in Burlington’s historic downtown. There’s a good mix of places to stay, from low-key inns to swanky hotels overlooking Lake Champlain. You’ll also be within walking distance of the waterfront and Church Street Marketplace, home to cosy coffee shops, pubs and street food vendors.
Burlington: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August and December – February
Low season
April – May and November
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Photographer name
Things to do in Burlington
Burlington
Places to eat
Local produce headlines Burlington menus, from food trucks selling hot dogs to refined restaurants serving tapas. Ice cream fans will love the Ben & Jerry’s factory, south of the city. Another local treat is the ‘creemee’, a Vermont soft serve that’s often maple syrup flavoured. Burlington’s buzzy taprooms are worth visiting for the atmosphere, innovative brews, pub games and fresh food.
Beaches
No ocean? No problem. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches on Lake Champlain. Just a couple of miles north of the city, North Beach is the largest and offers lifeguard-patrolled waters, barbecue grills and paddleboard rentals. Locals enjoy quiet Leddy Beach, a rugged stretch of sand fringed by tall trees. You can bring your pooch to dog-friendly Texaco Beach.
Shopping
Save space in your suitcase for souvenirs because you won’t be able to leave Burlington empty-handed. The best shopping can be found at Church Street Marketplace, a plaza that’s home to some of the city’s oldest buildings. Second-hand booksellers, independent jewellers, chocolatiers and eclectic gift stores are part of the selection here.
FAQs about Burlington holidays
To visit during the prettiest time, book flights and hotels to Burlington for autumn (September to late October), but be prepared for crowds. Summer offers great weather for hiking, cycling and enjoying the beaches. December to February is the snow season and the perfect time to check out nearby ski areas.
English is the language you'll hear most while on your city break in Burlington.
While on your trip to Burlington, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for your expenses. It's a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any issues with paying.
If you’d like to fit in the city’s main highlights, as well as trips into the Green Mountains, look for flights and hotels to Burlington that allow for a three-day holiday. If you want to explore further afield, you could spend up to a week here.
Burlington is generally seen as a safe place for visitors, but like any destination, it's always smart to take sensible precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, store emergency numbers in your phone and only use licensed cabs or ride-share services. Additionally, stick to well-lit streets if you're out late at night during your holiday to Burlington.
The warmest month in Burlington is July, with maximum temperatures of 28ºC (82ºF).
Organise your Burlington holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -15ºC (5ºF) is as cold as it gets.
The time of year you go, the airline you fly with, and where you stay will influence the price you pay for your city break in Burlington. If you're looking to cut costs, keep an eye out for special offers or last-minute deals on Burlington flights and hotels. Travelling midweek and booking early can also help you save.
The wettest month is June, which has an average rainfall of 12 cm. But don't let the weather put a damper on your Burlington trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, wandering through museums, or hanging out in cafes.
A holiday in Burlington is perfect for those who like a good balance of nature and culture. With great beaches, cycle paths and hiking trails as well as restaurants, breweries and shops, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
